When it comes to this holiday, the key is to make sure the scary parts are all just make-believe.
As the country gets ready to celebrate the spookiest time of the year, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has shared a number of helpful Halloween safety tips to make sure everyone has fun without harm or property damage.
The APCIA reminds drivers and property owners that a few simple steps can make all the difference.
Just a few basic precautions for Halloween safety can help to prevent major accidents on that day.
According to the annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics on behalf of the National Retail Federation, this year, a record 73 percent of people intend to participate in activities relating to this holiday. This is a considerable jump from last year’s 69 percent.
“As Halloween continues to gain in popularity, it is increasingly becoming party time for adults. This can lead to more impaired driving and pedestrian crashes as young people also take to the streets for trick or treating,” said APCIA department vice president for personal lines Bob Passmore. “This combination of impaired driving and more people on the street at dusk contributes to Halloween being one of the deadliest days for pedestrians, and too often children.”
The following are some easy Halloween safety tips to make sure you avoid unnecessary accidents.
The first tip is simply to slow down when behind the wheel. “It is important to be aware of potential hazards that accompany the festivities associated with Halloween. If you are distracted, your reaction time will be slower. Use caution when driving, as trick-or-treaters could dart out in front of your vehicle. Also, it is starting to get darker earlier, which could make it more difficult to see trick or treaters. Insurers stress the importance of staying off the phone while driving, and planning your route ahead of time so you can stay focused on the road,” explained Passmore.
The second tip is a reminder not to drive while impaired. This includes avoiding getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other types of drugs. “However, if you do, designate a sober driver or call a ride-hailing service or cab to get you home safely,” said Passmore.
Another good Halloween safety tip involves reviewing home and auto insurance policies to be sure that if something does happen, the right coverage is in place. This can include anything from trips and falls on a property to fires set by a lit candle in a Jack-o-lantern.
